Calgarian prepares for simulated Mars mission

Robotics expert Simon Engler from Calgary is one of six crew members picked by NASA to take part in a 120-day simulated Mars mission.

As a masters student in electrical engineering, robotics isa language Engler speaks fluently. Now he has an opportunity to test his craft when the team embarks on its mission early next year.

The crew willlive and work in a 900-square-foot simulator in an area of Hawaii for four months, as thesoil conditions in the area are likethose found on Mars byNASA's rover Curiosity.

"I strongly believe that when we go to Mars we will have robots assisting us, helping us collect data, helping move things, carry things, andI want to find out what are the challenges of working on the surface of Mars with robotic platforms," said Engler about his role in the mission.

CBC Calgary video journalistTerri Trembathtalks to Englerabout his chance to live like an astronaut.